Marcus Freeman Wryly Responds to Controversial Orange Bowl PI Call at Notre Dame

On January 10, 2025By Littum

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were on the wrong end of a tough call during the fourth quarter of their College Football Playoff semifinal against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Less than two minutes after Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw an interception, the Fighting Irish appeared to get the ball back with an interception of their own, but the officials threw a flag and Penn State scored on the very next play.

PSU’s Drew Allar threw a deep ball into double coverage and it was picked off by Jack Kiser, but officials decided to call pass interference on Adon Shuler, who didn’t turn to see his teammate catch the dropped ball.

As Notre Dame fans threw beer bottles onto the field, coach Marcus Freeman could only point and smile at the officials for a call that deprived his team of a turnover. It was a look that said I’m not mad. I’m actually laughing.

Underthrown balls should not be bailed out of a pass interference call. Terrible ball placement and the contact from Notre Dame didn’t affect the interception anyway. pic.twitter.com/fQbMPtWC6F

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) 10 January 2025

The good news for Notre Dame is that they were able to tie the game on their next possession. Depending on who wins the game, it could affect how Freeman looks back on the pass interference call. He probably won’t be smiling if the Irish lose.